What does Mandela mean when he says he is “simply the sum of all those African patriots” who had gone before him?

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Anonymous · Accepted Answer

Mandela feels that he is the sum of all those African patriots who had gone before him because their courage and unimaginable sacrifices had paved the path that brought freedom. The political emancipation of South Africa and Mandela's welcome as president is a consequence of these heroes' collective struggle against injustice and discrimination. He wants to thank them. He wishes that they could see what their sacrices have achieved.

Nelson Mandela - Long Walk To Freedom

What does Mandela mean when he says he is “simply the sum of all those African patriots” who had gone before him?